Censorship

Court Upholds Controversial Censorship Law, Sparking Outcry from South Carolina Education Advocates

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Columbia, South Carolina — A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit aimed at overturning a law in South Carolina that critics say censors discussions of race and Black history in the state’s public schools. The U.S. District Court’s ruling on Budget Proviso 1.79 is a setback for educators, students, and advocates who argue it undermines the educational environment and marginalizes the experiences of Black communities. The lawsuit, filed earlier this year by various stakeholders including educators, students, and the NAACP South Carolina State Conference, challenged the legality of the Budget Proviso. The plaintiffs contended that … Read more

Iran’s New "Untrue Content" Law Stifles Speech Amid Escalating Censorship and Digital Control

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TEHRAN, Iran — The Iranian parliament has passed a contentious new law aimed at combating what it terms "untrue news content," a move critics argue marks a further encroachment on freedom of expression in the country. The legislation, which was approved on July 27, 2025, is widely viewed as a tool for increasing government censorship and stifling dissent amid rising economic and social discontent. This legislative action follows a recent 12-day conflict, intensifying amid ongoing protests related to economic hardships and political grievances. Observers highlight the timing as part of the regime’s broader strategy to … Read more

Lawsuit Challenges Huntington Beach’s Library Book Censorship Policy Over Restricted Sexual Content Books

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Huntington Beach, Calif. — A legal battle is brewing in Huntington Beach over the city’s decision to censor and alter the availability of books deemed to contain sexual content in public libraries. The ACLU, along with Orange County’s first transgender-led nonprofit organization, filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s actions, alleging a violation of constitutional rights and the California Freedom to Read Act. The controversy began last year after the city council instructed local librarians to move certain books to less accessible areas of the library. These books, which included titles on the human body, puberty, … Read more

ACLU Sues After Arkansas Library Director Fired for Fighting Book Censorship

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Saline County, Ark. — In a striking assertion of First Amendment rights, Patty Hector, the former library director of Saline County, along with the ACLU of Arkansas, have initiated a federal lawsuit against county officials. The suit claims Hector was terminated from her position in retaliation for her vocal opposition to what she perceived as censorship efforts within the public library system. Hector’s dismissal occurred in October 2023, directly following a period of heated public discourse that centered around the contents of the library’s children’s section. Earlier in the year, the Saline County Quorum Court … Read more